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Seven talents to watch out for at the African Youth Championship
Ramon Azeez (Almeria & Nigeria U20)
A highly talented midfielder, Ramon Azeez shone like a million stars at the U17 World Cup in Nigeria two years ago. Azeez was voted the third best player of the tournament and this drew many clubs to want his signature. Afterwards he was courted by Manchester United, but could not be sign because he is yet to play for the senior team. He has moved to Almeria in Spain. This tournament will be an opportunity for Azeez to shine again and impress Nigeria senior team coach Samson Siasia to include him in the Super Eagles' future plans.
Mahatma Otoo (Hearts of Oak & Ghana U20)
The Hearts of Oak player is a complete striker. He is strong and has the pace. Otoo has appreciable level of technical skills and is ready to seize the least opportunity at his disposal to humiliate door watchers. The 19-year-old can fight for aerial balls and has the accuracy to shoot from all angles.
The former Esperance loanee has over the years built a reputation for excellent technical abilities, aggression at goal, powerful onslaughts and headers as well as accurate and long range shots. The 2008-9 Ghana League Discovery Player of the Season would no doubt be one of the local players to watch as he leads the defending champions’ forward at the Africa Youth Championship.
Lyle Lekay (SuperSport United & South Africa U20)
The nimble footed Tottenham Hotspurs trialist is definitely one for the future. His pace and skill can dazzle any defender on his day, and many would be caught out underestimating the talent who plays for the South African PSL champions. The youngster has an eye for goal, which makes him a lethal winger and a key element of the Amajita squad which will be looking to impress at the tournament. He has a great deal of improvement to go through in his career, but at such a young age he is already standing out amongst his peers as a player with great potential.
Richmond Boakye-Yiadom (Genoa & Ghana U20)
The 18-year-old is often referred to as the ‘Genoa Wonder Kid’ for his technical competence and agility. The youngster has powerful strikes in his legs and has good ball control. He has a goal to his credit in the Italian Serie A for Genoa and touted as a player with a bright future to replace the likes of sensational Black Stars top striker Asamoah Gyan of Sunderland. The former Bechem United ace has an excellent speed when controlling the ball. The African Youth Championship is an excellent platform for the marksman to grab to exhibit what he can do best in front of goal.
Ahmed Musa (Venlo & Nigeria U20)
Poised to be one of the stars of the tournament, Ahmed Musa is an all out attacking force who holds the record for the highest goals scored in the Nigerian Premier League, doing this all before he turned 18 last year. Now with Dutch top flight strugglers Venlo, Musa scored his first goal for the Nigerian senior team in a friendly match against Kenya in March.
He wasn't part of the qualifiers for this tournament, but he's been called up by coach John Obuh to add strength to the side and also probably to make the world see what a great talent he is. If he is able to make it as Venlo are holding back on releasing him, he could become a hot commodity for scouts looking to snap up new talents for the big clubs.
The 19 year old is a rising star at Egyptian Premier League leading Zamalek after making his debut in a 2-2 draw against Tala'ea El Geish in November of last year. The youngster then benefitted from an injury to a teammate a month later in order to get the nod against bitter rivals Al-Ahly and was highly impressive in the what ended up being a goalless Cairo derby.
He is considered one of the most skillful players in the young Pharaohs side and is also one of the most versatile in that he can play as a right back, right sided midfielder, holding midfielder, or attacking midfielder. So far he has one assist in EPL play and no goals, but those familiar with Gaber know that there are plenty of those to come in what should be a bright career.
The midfield kingpin reminds one of Michael Ballack during his early days. The way he controls the ball is very impressive for a young player of his size, and Khwela also packs a powerful shot when the opportunity arises. His undoubted talent saw him go for trials with Feyenoord, and the captain of Amajita is likely to shine for the host team in this edition of the African Youth Championship. His leadership skills and the ability to inspire his team from the middle of the park are both traits that show he has wisdom beyond his years
Nigeria U20 coach John Obuh has said that his team’s focus going into Monday’s opening Group B game against defending champions Ghana is a ticket for Colombia 2011 World Youth Championship. Nigeria and Ghana are favourites for the tournament, but Obuh will keep his sight first on delivering a world cup place for Nigeria before thinking of winning the title that Nigeria have won a record five times. The four semi finalists in the eight team tournament will represent Africa in Colombia.
“Of course we are aware that people are saying we are the favourites for the title, but that is still a long way for now,” Obuh told KickOffNigeria.com.
“What I am thinking of now is to qualify the team for the World Cup first, because Nigerians will not accept anything less. After that, we can focus on the trophy.”
He will be counting on such important players like Venlo's Ahmed Musa and Almeria's Ramon Azeez to help him get through the opening game.
Ghana are expected to provide stern competition for the Flying Eagles from the group stages all the way to a potential final, but Obuh says the only reason he has the Black Satellites in his sights is because they are his opening opposition.
“We are taking it one game at a time. We don’t think of Ghana in the final. We think of them as our first opponent. If we meet them again anywhere else, we will play them as our next opponent. But we will not be focusing on them because there are other teams in the competition.
“We respect Ghana because they are the defending champions and also the world champions. And I know they respect us too. But we are not afraid of anybody.
“We have prepared well for this tournament and my boys are sharp and ready to go.”
Nigeria and Ghana are paired in Group B alongside Cameroon and the Gambia for the eight nation tourney. Ghana and Chelsea's Michael Essien is parading some of football's living legends and active stars to participate in a charity match to raise funds for peace initiatives across Africa.
As an Africa Union Peace Ambassador, the midfield prodigy has scheduled the game dubbed Africa XI against World XI to take place on May 25 – Africa Union Day.
According to the BBC, the match to be played in the Ghanaian capital Accra will see the likes of Liberia’s George Weah, Abedi Pele of Ghana and Cameroon’s Roger Milla on the African side to be captained by Essien.
Other players for the African XI include former Ghana internationals Tony Baffoe, Tony Yeboah and Sammy Kuffuor, as well as Morocco's Raber Madjer.
Current players expected to liven up the day are Inter’s Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo and Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Stephen Appiah.
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole will captain the World XI, which includes England stars Shaun Wright-Phillips and John Terry.
Essien himself has a charity foundation that helps the under privileged in his Ewutu home town.
Musona started the season like a house on fire, but noticeably, he has taken the foot off the pedal since January.
The 20-year-old Zimbabwean has scored three goals, including one on Wednesday against SuperSport United, in nine League starts but the Serbian says Musona’s form, or lack thereof, is the least of his worries because it is something he expected.
"At the beginning of the season I said that for a player like Musona it is normal to get into a crisis, because he is still young and things happened too fast for him," Vermezovic said, according to Kickoff.com.
"And I told him he shouldn’t be under pressure to be the best scorer in South Africa. If not this year, he will be for sure in the next couple of years. He’s got the quality, he is a good striker and he is always willing to improve with every game," Vermezovic added.
Seven talents to watch out for at the African Youth Championship
The tournament will no doubt turn a few heads with the eight teams expected to reveal more than a handful of talent.
By Goal.com Africa
Apr 15, 2011 4:40:00 PM
The African Youth Championship begins on Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa and the tournament will surely serve as a platform for talented youngsters to showcase their abilities and be seen by scouts for clubs all over the continent and in Europe. Eight U20 teams will take part in the tournament, and Goal.com picked out a handful of diamonds in the rough, that are likely to become polished over time and may prove to be stars of the future.
Ramon Azeez (Almeria & Nigeria U20)
A highly talented midfielder, Ramon Azeez shone like a million stars at the U17 World Cup in Nigeria two years ago. Azeez was voted the third best player of the tournament and this drew many clubs to want his signature. Afterwards he was courted by Manchester United, but could not be sign because he is yet to play for the senior team. He has moved to Almeria in Spain. This tournament will be an opportunity for Azeez to shine again and impress Nigeria senior team coach Samson Siasia to include him in the Super Eagles' future plans.
Mahatma Otoo (Hearts of Oak & Ghana U20)
The Hearts of Oak player is a complete striker. He is strong and has the pace. Otoo has appreciable level of technical skills and is ready to seize the least opportunity at his disposal to humiliate door watchers. The 19-year-old can fight for aerial balls and has the accuracy to shoot from all angles.
The former Esperance loanee has over the years built a reputation for excellent technical abilities, aggression at goal, powerful onslaughts and headers as well as accurate and long range shots. The 2008-9 Ghana League Discovery Player of the Season would no doubt be one of the local players to watch as he leads the defending champions’ forward at the Africa Youth Championship.
Lyle Lekay (SuperSport United & South Africa U20)
The nimble footed Tottenham Hotspurs trialist is definitely one for the future. His pace and skill can dazzle any defender on his day, and many would be caught out underestimating the talent who plays for the South African PSL champions. The youngster has an eye for goal, which makes him a lethal winger and a key element of the Amajita squad which will be looking to impress at the tournament. He has a great deal of improvement to go through in his career, but at such a young age he is already standing out amongst his peers as a player with great potential.
Richmond Boakye-Yiadom (Genoa & Ghana U20)
The 18-year-old is often referred to as the ‘Genoa Wonder Kid’ for his technical competence and agility. The youngster has powerful strikes in his legs and has good ball control. He has a goal to his credit in the Italian Serie A for Genoa and touted as a player with a bright future to replace the likes of sensational Black Stars top striker Asamoah Gyan of Sunderland. The former Bechem United ace has an excellent speed when controlling the ball. The African Youth Championship is an excellent platform for the marksman to grab to exhibit what he can do best in front of goal.
The talented Musa is a future hope for Nigeria
Ahmed Musa (Venlo & Nigeria U20)
Poised to be one of the stars of the tournament, Ahmed Musa is an all out attacking force who holds the record for the highest goals scored in the Nigerian Premier League, doing this all before he turned 18 last year. Now with Dutch top flight strugglers Venlo, Musa scored his first goal for the Nigerian senior team in a friendly match against Kenya in March.
He wasn't part of the qualifiers for this tournament, but he's been called up by coach John Obuh to add strength to the side and also probably to make the world see what a great talent he is. If he is able to make it as Venlo are holding back on releasing him, he could become a hot commodity for scouts looking to snap up new talents for the big clubs.
Omar Gaber (Zamalek & Egypt U20)
The 19 year old is a rising star at Egyptian Premier League leading Zamalek after making his debut in a 2-2 draw against Tala'ea El Geish in November of last year. The youngster then benefitted from an injury to a teammate a month later in order to get the nod against bitter rivals Al-Ahly and was highly impressive in the what ended up being a goalless Cairo derby.
He is considered one of the most skillful players in the young Pharaohs side and is also one of the most versatile in that he can play as a right back, right sided midfielder, holding midfielder, or attacking midfielder. So far he has one assist in EPL play and no goals, but those familiar with Gaber know that there are plenty of those to come in what should be a bright career.
Philani Khwela (SuperSport United & South Africa U20)
The midfield kingpin reminds one of Michael Ballack during his early days. The way he controls the ball is very impressive for a young player of his size, and Khwela also packs a powerful shot when the opportunity arises. His undoubted talent saw him go for trials with Feyenoord, and the captain of Amajita is likely to shine for the host team in this edition of the African Youth Championship. His leadership skills and the ability to inspire his team from the middle of the park are both traits that show he has wisdom beyond his years
Nigeria U20 coach John Obuh focused on World Cup ticket
John Obuh sets sights on World Youth Championship ticket before trophy.
“Of course we are aware that people are saying we are the favourites for the title, but that is still a long way for now,” Obuh told KickOffNigeria.com.
“What I am thinking of now is to qualify the team for the World Cup first, because Nigerians will not accept anything less. After that, we can focus on the trophy.”
He will be counting on such important players like Venlo's Ahmed Musa and Almeria's Ramon Azeez to help him get through the opening game.
Ghana are expected to provide stern competition for the Flying Eagles from the group stages all the way to a potential final, but Obuh says the only reason he has the Black Satellites in his sights is because they are his opening opposition.
“We are taking it one game at a time. We don’t think of Ghana in the final. We think of them as our first opponent. If we meet them again anywhere else, we will play them as our next opponent. But we will not be focusing on them because there are other teams in the competition.
“We respect Ghana because they are the defending champions and also the world champions. And I know they respect us too. But we are not afraid of anybody.
“We have prepared well for this tournament and my boys are sharp and ready to go.”
Nigeria and Ghana are paired in Group B alongside Cameroon and the Gambia for the eight nation tourney.
Ghana’s Michael Essien organizes peace match between Africa XI and World XI
Living legends George Weah, Abedi Pele and Roger Milla are expected in Accra to compete with Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba and John Terry...
By Kent Mensah
Apr 15, 2011 4:00:00 PM
EPL - West Ham United vs Chelsea, Michael Essien(Getty Images)
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As an Africa Union Peace Ambassador, the midfield prodigy has scheduled the game dubbed Africa XI against World XI to take place on May 25 – Africa Union Day.
According to the BBC, the match to be played in the Ghanaian capital Accra will see the likes of Liberia’s George Weah, Abedi Pele of Ghana and Cameroon’s Roger Milla on the African side to be captained by Essien.
Other players for the African XI include former Ghana internationals Tony Baffoe, Tony Yeboah and Sammy Kuffuor, as well as Morocco's Raber Madjer.
Current players expected to liven up the day are Inter’s Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo and Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Stephen Appiah.
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole will captain the World XI, which includes England stars Shaun Wright-Phillips and John Terry.
Essien himself has a charity foundation that helps the under privileged in his Ewutu home town.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic - Knowledge Musona has the quality
Vladimir Vermezovic says there is no need for Knowledge Musona to put himself under pressure.
The 20-year-old Zimbabwean has scored three goals, including one on Wednesday against SuperSport United, in nine League starts but the Serbian says Musona’s form, or lack thereof, is the least of his worries because it is something he expected.
"At the beginning of the season I said that for a player like Musona it is normal to get into a crisis, because he is still young and things happened too fast for him," Vermezovic said, according to Kickoff.com.
"And I told him he shouldn’t be under pressure to be the best scorer in South Africa. If not this year, he will be for sure in the next couple of years. He’s got the quality, he is a good striker and he is always willing to improve with every game," Vermezovic added.
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